I am honored to participate as a Candidate for the 2020 Students of the Year program, a seven-week initiative in which select high school students from around the country participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am raising critical dollars in honor of a young patient hero who is currently battling or is in remission from a blood cancer. Each dollar is a vote. The candidate team that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student of the Year. Our mission is to not only raise the most money but also to bring attention to blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.

Melissa Ruffino talks about how cancer actually SAVED her life. Watch this inspirational story as you donate today! 

Why? 

I was first introduced to LLS’ message when I was in sixth grade. Our Junior Optimist club had signed up to walk in the Light the Night Walk at the Fraze Pavilion. I honestly had no idea what to expect, as I walked in a saw all different types of people. Children in wheelchairs, overjoyed parents, and volunteers just like me. Everyone around the dayton area had come together to support cancer survivors and support those still in their fight against cancer. As everyone raised their lanterns into the air, I was overcome with emotions and I knew I needed to help in some way. It really opened my eyes to how many people are affected by blood cancers, every 3 seconds someone hears the words “You have Cancer.” Ever since I was a little girl, my dream was to change the world, and through this campaign I think I can. I not only want to open new doors in research but educate the public of the disease and the widespread of its effect. So many kids in my school and our community are affected by this disease and no one is aware of this. I believed that with the continued support and effort of the community, doctors, and researchers we will not find a cure someday, but in fact today.

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases. In fact, drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

We really are changing the face of blood cancer!

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.

Please visit our website often and bring friends who would also like to donate!

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, team Elk Pride for a Cure thanks you for your support! 

For more information about LLS, please visit www.lls.org.